Once a byword for the economic power of national government - with competition strictly regulated - European commercial aviation has now virtually become a market without state-imposed anticompetitive restrictions. Although intended to enhance competition, this situation has in fact driven airlines to form massive global alliances cartels that offer ever-shrinking benefits to the consumer. In this extraordinarily thorough, blow-by-blow analysis of how this happened or was allowed to happen one of the world s most eminent aviation law authorities explores the subject with a lucid insight fully informed by historical breadth and a keen appreciation of current pressures. Commercial aviation emerges as the crucible par excellence of the convergence of prevailing global ideology, economics, and international law. ÍNDICE: I. Introduction. II. The Treaty of Rome. III. Institutions of the European Union and the Development of Air Transport Policy. IV. Jurisdiction of the European Union to Regulate Air Transportation: Decisions of the European Court of Justice. V. Contemporary Air Transport Policy of the European Union. VI. Transatlantic Aviation Alliances. VII. Conclusion. Appendices. Consolidated Version of the Treaty Establishing the European Community. The European Airline Industry.